University Heights will host their second Coffee With a Cop program on Sunday, February 17th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the University Heights Library. No agendas, no speeches – just real conversation between members of your police department and University Heights residents. The first 50 people in attendance will receive a coffee mug to take home.

Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan will deliver his first State of the City address on Wednesday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Jardine Room on the campus of John Carroll University. In his speech, the mayor will review the accomplishments of 2018 and look ahead to goals for 2019 and beyond. Dessert and coffee will be served.

Newly installed Mayor Brennan fired University Heights’ Fire Chief Zook on his first day in office. He named Captain Perko as the interim replacement. This move was generally expected and in line with Brennan’s campaign promises to better support the city’s fire department, firefighters, and address their safety concerns as outlined in a letter

As chief, Perko said he intends to work on improving fire prevention and public education, and to increase firefighter training and development.

Local Jewish News is encouraged that Mayor Brennan has immediately focused on improving fire safety in the city. We look forward to similar attention to the recent escalation in criminal activity in University Heights.

On January 2, 2018 Michael D. Brennan will be sworn in as the new City of University Heights’ Mayor. The swearing in ceremony will be held at 7pm at the Dolan Science Center at John Carroll University with a desert reception beforehand, including kosher items, requested by Mayor-Elect Brennan specifically for our community.

Councilwoman Michele Weiss is encouraging members of our community to attend to show our appreciation and to remain involved in directing our city’s future. She said “Our community was instrumental in electing Mayor Elect Brennan. Furthermore, this election demonstrated that every vote counts.”

This January, there will be a new Mayor and the return of four incumbent Councilmembers in University Heights. The difference in the election was 54 votes. You may not be aware, but the biggest difference in voter turnout from past elections (and the main reason why we will have a new Mayor) was the response by the Jewish Community. While many may not understand why it matters who the Mayor is in our City, we can assure you that having a Mayor who is responsive to our community’s needs and willing to engage us as a distinct population is incredibly important.

The fact that our community was the difference in this election will help us tremendously in the coming four years. In a city this small (again 54 votes is a very thin margin) every vote counts. This teaches us that together – and as individuals – we can make meaningful and impactful change. We thank you for your efforts and your willingness to take the time necessary to send a message to City Hall that our Community is willing to help shape the future for University Heights. Your City Council will now operate like a truly collaborative administrative body and be in a much better position to respond to everyone’s needs.